Strengthening Ties Between Kenya and Jordan

King Abdullah II of Jordan arrived in Kenya Monday 26th September for a visit focusing on security issues, where he was received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The two leaders proceeded to witness the joint military exercises conducted by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the Royal Jordanian Armed Forces at the Embakasi Garrison, where over 400 soldiers were undertaking training on security matters. King Abdullah II pledged more support in counter terrorism for Kenya, including training KDF fighter pilots. Both countries are looking to share notes on matters security and in the fight against terrorism considering the fact that Kenya has been battling terrorism in the recent years.

The Jordanian government has in recent years been taking steps to boost its domestic defense industry part of which has included seeking markets beyond Middle East into Africa. Last August, the Kenya’s Chief of Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe met with King Abdulla’s Military Adviser and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs-of-staff General Mashal Al Zaben for bilateral talks on military cooperation between Jordan and Kenya. A deal was subsequently signed providing for the two country’s military cooperation and counter terrorism.

Meanwhile,South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma is expected in Kenya on October 11 as the two nations seek for better ties and cooperation, said Mr Manoah Esipisu the statehouse spokesperson.Last August President Kenyatta and President Zuma identified trade and industrialization as the key areas that the two countries could cooperate on.

Kenya is expected to also be seeking the indulgence of South Africa on its immigration laws which have had an adverse impact on Kenyans wishing to travel to South Africa as they are faced with stringent visa requirements which deter smooth flow of people and goods.